Cool and Creepy Shipwrecks To Thrill Young Divers

Some are the final resting places of men, while others were sunk on purpose to create marine life habitat. No matter how they got there, these creepy vessels are the perfect diving spots for those in search of a sunken spine-tingling thrill.

Once a U.S. Air Force missile-tracking ship during the Cold War, the USNS Vandenberg is now the largest and most accessible artificial reef, according to Dive Key West.

The giant radar dishes, which were used to track the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo capsules, add an otherworldly feel as you swim past this 520-foot structure. Explore the bridge, com rooms and crown nest.

Six 500-pound bombs ripped open this cargo vessel, sending it smashing to the bottom of the ocean floor. The Maru-Chuuk, now one of the biggest World War II shipwreck destinations, is located in the Pacific's Eastern Caroline Islands.

The wreck is part of the "ghost fleet" of World War II shipwrecks of Truk Lagoon, which now teem with sea life.

Do sharks creep you out? Excellent! You'll see plenty when diving this tanker off the coast of North Carolina in what's dubbed "the graveyard of the Atlantic."

The Papoose, which was torpedoed by a German U-boat in 1942, is one of 2000 shipwrecks found along the shores of this state. Situated upside down, divers can penetrate the ship as far as the boiler room.

YO-257-Oahu, Hawaii

Off the coast of Oahu, one hundred and twenty feet deep, is the YO-257, a World War II Oiler Boat. It sits upright and has access holes cut into it for easier exploration.

Considered an advanced dive, it's not uncommon to see reef sharks, spotted eagle rays and green sea turtles resting on its decks.

Described as one of the best "underwater playhouses" by Discover San Diego, the 360-foot-long HMCS Yukon lies within San Diego's Wreck Alley. A Canadian destroyer escort, the ship was deliberately sunk off Mission Bay.

Swim past the bridge, deck gear and twin gun turrets, as well as through ominous interior passageways filled with eerie ambient light.

Access holes in the hull are designed to keep divers always within 30 feet of an exit should you need a quick escape.

USS Liberty, Bali, Indonesia

This WWII ship was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942. While it did not sink, the captain had to steer it to the beach where it remained for many years.

Eventually, lava flow pushed it back into the water, where it now lies, near the village of Tulamben.

Try diving the wreck at night for an extra thrill and to spot unusual nocturnal creatures of the sea.

A 180-foot Coast Guard cutter, the Spar is another intentionally sunk ship designed to become an artificial reef. It's also popular with sand tiger sharks, so keep an eye out for shark teeth souvenirs!